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Justice News

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office

District of Minnesota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Chicago Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Distribute More Than 100 Grams Of Heroin

MINNEAPOLIS – Earlier today in federal court, a 44-year-old man from Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin in the Twin Cities area during a two-year period. Darnell Watson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. Watson, who was indicted along with two co-defendants on June 14, 2011, entered his plea before United States District Court Judge Joan N. Ericksen.

On September 16, 2011, Keith Charles Williams, age 49, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. On August 25, 2011, DeMarco Hughes, age 42, of St. Paul, also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.

In their respective plea agreements, the defendants admitted conspiring to distribute heroin and transporting heroin from Chicago to the Twin Cities. On June 28, 2010, the three men were arrested in Woodbury after being found in possession of 149 grams of heroin.

For their crimes, the defendants face a potential maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. Judge Ericksen will determine their sentences at a future hearing, yet to be scheduled. This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Woodbury Police Department, and the Minneapolis Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst.